Gerik: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) is providing an opportunity for counselling students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) to support their peers who were affected by the recent fatal bus crash in Gerik, Perak. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said many of the injured victims currently receiving treatment in hospital appeared more comfortable speaking with counsellors their age, compared to those provided by the ministry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy mentioned that the ministry's counsellors are ready to assist, but the involvement of student counsellors allows the victims to better express themselves. She emphasized that the feedback from staff indicated that victims are more willing to open up to fellow students, highlighting the unique support system provided by peers undergoing similar experiences.

Nancy also stated that this initiative offers a new perspective on how counselling can be effective even when conducted by those who are not yet fully qualified counsellors. She shared these insights during a press conference after launching the Women GIG and Business In Technology (GIG@BIT) programme.

Furthermore, Nancy revealed plans for her and Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad to visit the families of those who perished in the tragedy, to express condolences and offer additional support. She stressed that counselling services would be provided to each family whenever they are ready, ensuring that the ministry's approach is sensitive to the families' emotional states.

The bus crash, which occurred early Monday morning, resulted in the deaths of 15 UPSI students when the bus overturned at KM53 of the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik. The accident also caused injuries to 33 individuals. The chartered bus was traveling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak when the incident happened.